Apple's App Store could soon offer more flexible subscriptions. Currently, apps offer monthly or yearly plans. Yearly plans require full payment upfront. The new change lets developers offer monthly payments for a yearly subscription. This makes paying easier for customers. They can still get yearly discounts. They can also lock in a price for a year.
Apple's developer documents say users can cancel anytime. However, they must keep paying until the annual contract ends. This feature will show a user's commitment. A green progress bar will track their yearly subscription. It will also show the monthly price. The next payment date and renewal date will be clear. Users can subscribe for a year at a lower price. They pay monthly. They can cancel before the year ends. This avoids a second year's cost. Not all apps will offer lower prices.
This feature is not yet live in the App Store. Developers can test it now. It is expected in iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 updates. These updates are planned for May. Apple decided not to launch this feature in the US and Singapore yet. The reason is unclear. Apple has not said if it will be available later in these markets.